When you start thinking about different ways to improve your car, there might be a few things you can do in order to ensure a safe, stable ride. For starters, you should think about starting to focus on learning basic at-home auto service techniques, such as changing your own oil or replacing your auto filter.
By learning about car care, you can empower yourself with knowledge and learn more about how to manage different aspects of the trade, which can be incredibly helpful. Check out this website for awesome tips and tricks that talk about auto service that can pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Coming up with the right diagnosis is half the battle in fixing car malfunctions. How you describe the problem to your auto mechanic plays a big role in the diagnosis process. Below are some tips to help you describe any car issues you might have.
Use Descriptive Words
Use descriptive words to convey the signs and problems the car has been exhibiting. Use normal, everyday words. Try to compare the problems to everyday things that everyone knows. For example, if the car has been making strange noises, don't just call them 'strange noises.' Instead, use descriptive words like:
- Banging
- Screeching
- Whirring
- Whistling
- Clanging
Even describing strange sounds as 'metal-on-metal' noise is better than merely saying 'loud noises.' Using descriptive words will help the mechanic know what types of issues to look for.
Describe the Signs and Symptoms
Don't tell the mechanic what you think the problem is. Instead, describe the signs and symptoms of the problem and let the mechanic make their own professional diagnosis.
For example, don't tell the mechanic that you have a problem with the tires if you feel vibrations while driving. Vibrations can come from different issues, including bad steering linkages, damaged mountings, and even deformed brakes. Describe the vibrations to your mechanic and then let them investigate and come to their own diagnosis.
Note Patterns
Car malfunctions that don't exhibit themselves all the time are difficult to track. In such cases, tell the mechanic the patterns that the problem seems to be following. For example, you can explain that:
- The screeching sounds only happen while braking.
- The check engine light only turns on after long drives.
- The loss in power only happens when going uphill.
Such patterns will go a long way in helping the mechanic narrow down the problem.
Describe All Symptoms
Car problems exhibit themselves in different ways. Some produce smells, vibrations, dashboard warnings, sounds, among other symptoms. Describe all the symptoms to help the mechanic with their diagnosis.
Don't Play Down Severity
Lastly, don't play down the severity of the problem in the hope of getting a small repair bill. You are better off with a big repair bill from an accurate diagnosis than a small repair bill from an inaccurate diagnosis. Therefore, be honest about the severity of the issue.
Hopefully, the above tips will help you describe any problem your car might have and you will soon be back on the road. Don't forget to fix car problems as soon as they occur to prevent bigger malfunction in the future. Contact a mechanic near you for help.